Issues has responded to the community’s need for in-depth representation of local concerns for almost 30 years, bringing together local leaders and journalists to discuss the important topics facing South Florida. The weekly half-hour public affairs and news program provides the type of extensive and probing analysis that addresses the community’s continuous concerns.

MIAMI BEACH: 100 Years of Making WavesAs the City of Miami Beach celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, a new documentary highlights the ups and downs of its colorful history -- from socialites and movie stars, to gangsters and art deco – the film, which airs on WPBT2 Monday, August 3rd at 9:00 PM, shows just how far Miami Beach has come to be known as one of the hottest tourist meccas in the world.

Guest: Charles Kropke, Host, MIAMI BEACH: 100 Years of Making Waves

Seminole Gaming Compact & RedistrictingA five year Seminole gaming compact is set to expire this week, which means the Seminole Tribe of Florida will likely lose Blackjack and other table games, but the Seminoles are prepared to fight it out in federal court if necessary. And the dates are set for a special session to redraw Florida’s 27 congressional district boundaries in response to a recent decision by the Florida Supreme Court. Former Florida Senate minority leader Steven Geller joins Helen to discuss.

Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen on Cuba & Iran Nuclear DealThe relationship between Cuba and the United States took another step towards normalizing diplomatic relations this week with the re-opening of Cuba’s embassy in Washington D.C. While Democrats support the Obama Administration’s mending of ties with Cuba and see it as a step forward for both countries, it continues to draw negative reactions from Cuban-American Republicans. Another point of contention is the Iran nuclear agreement, with the majority of Republicans seemingly steadfast in their opposition to the terms. One of the leading opponents to both these issues, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, joins Helen to discuss.

Guest:U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, (R) District 27

Minimum Wage & Child PovertyA report released this week by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, dedicated to helping disadvantaged children in the U.S., shows 16.1 million American children, or 22 percent, were living in poverty in 2013 -- three million more than during the 2008 recession. The statistics are sobering to say the least and will likely have long-lasting affects that will be detrimental to the nation's economy. Economist Albert Williams discusses this report and another study that shows raising the minimum wage will not hurt employment.

July 10, 2015

Interview with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos GimenezEarlier this week, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez proposed his 2016 budget for approval to commissioners. The Mayor’s $6.8 billion plan includes increased funding for libraries, parks and roads, amongst others, thanks to property values that are bringing in more dollars to the county. However, there is some discussion that a mileage rollback may be on the table. The mayor joins Helen to discuss this and more.

Guest:Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade County

The Future of the Library SystemThe future of libraries is a debate that startled many in Miami-Dade County when it appeared that serious funding cuts would critically diminish much needed library services. A concerted effort made by the grassroots level was successful in convincing county officials of the need to support and nourish libraries considered by many a fundamental to maintaining democracy. Can libraries make a comeback in the digital age?

June 12, 2015

M-D County – Transit, Development & BudgetMayor Carlos Gimenez's push to bring Tri-Rail downtown took another step forward this week with the approval of $13.9 million in county transit taxes. These funds would bring the government-run commuter line to a new rail depot in Downtown Miami, but not before a final vote later this month. And what will this year's county budget look like - will there be layoffs? tax cuts or increases? Communications Director for the county, Michael Hernandez, discusses this and more county developments.

Guest:Michael Hernandez, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor

Miami-Dade’s Tolls – “Highway Robbery”?In November of last year, two major Miami-Dade expressways, the 836 and the 112, went under dramatic toll expansions. Prior to November 15th, only a portion of these roads were tolled -- now it's the entire highway, leading drivers to dig deeper into their pockets. Miami-Dade's Expressway Authority (MDX) said this added revenue would help finance improvements and ease congestion. But seven months later, commuters are still up in arms. In last Sunday’s Miami Herald, a calculator was available for on-line readers to figure out the new cost of these tolls -- leaving most commuters outraged. Opponents to these toll hikes feel consumer outrage will bring about necessary reforms, but have these increased tolls been a benefit to decrease congestion?